Re: B&O circle T
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Ken Braden
Ouch Tim… necessary?
I added the "Jim Mischke would chime in soon" to qualify my answer, but since that wasn't sufficient, I am adding below to qualify my answer. Here are some quotes from the B&O Yahoo group and who posted them and when. * "The Time-Saver logo was introduced in late 1957. This was just a logo, if it was really in Time-Saver Service (B&O's less-than-carload service), it would have a little "T" in a circle somewhere down around the car data fields." Jim Mischke Sept 17, 2001 * "One marking common to B&O boxcars during the 1950's was a little "T" in a circle down by the number. This was short for Time-Saver service, B&O's less-than-carload freight service. * The circle T stencil meant that the car was qualified for Time-Ssaver service, mostly merchandise. I assume this meant a plain boxcar, fairly modern (by broad B&O standards) clean, no rats, and no special equipment for the automotive trade. * Cars so marked drifted in and out of LCL service as needed. Mostly out, the LCL trade was well into decline by then." Jim Mischke Mar 2, 2002 * "The Circle "T" meant the boxcar was fit for Time-Saver Less-Than-Carload (LCL) service. * This probably meant: - can go on fast trains - meets main line clearances (the Parkersburg Subdivision maybe, maybe not) - kept clean and cleanable (i.e. had never carried raw animal hides or Cragmont diet cola powdered mix) * There were many, many more B&O 40' boxcars so marked than actively in LCL service, this mark denoted a high level of fitness for a premium service. * I've never seen a 50' boxcar so marked with the circle "T", such cars did not clear tight spots in the Parkersburg sub tunnels. Besides, LCL cars were rarely filled up (cubed out, as they say), why use an extra cost 50' car better used elsewhere? * The blue Time Saver boxcars (blue with the orange comet) was a 1947 vintage promotional paint scheme applied to perhaps only seven cars, we believe. These cars were regular boxcars and circulated nationwide. * Further, the 1958 vintage "Time Saver Service" slogan with the billboard (Large "B&O") scheme on red B&O boxcars was promotional only. * B&O LCL service was terminated in 1961 as a part of the draconian financial turnaround B&O implemented to avoid bankruptcy." Jim Mischke Mar 3, 2003 * "Here are some of the odd markings you will find on B&O freight cars, from a 1940 B&O diagram, revised to 1955, and a couple related memos: * circle T - boxcar car fit for Timesaver LCL service (clean, mechanically sound) * circle S - structural limitations (like archbar trucks), home line service only * circle H - cars repaired under Reconstruction Finance Corp. agreement (1930's) * circle G - covered hoppers suitable for glass sand loading * circle X - hoppers unfit for revenue coal service without heavy repairs, okay for company fuel * white star - cars with reduced load limits due to structural limitations * white cross - hopper door gear burned and bent for third rail clearance (discontinued 1941) * white rectangle - boxcars with altered (modernized??) lateral running boards * white rectangle/circle (like USAF fighter plane logo outline, on door) - boxcar equipped for handling auto parts * white dot (6" dia.) - hopper cars suitable for handling powdered coal * white dot (3" dia., above car initials) - hoppers for stone loading, end cross braces removed * white stripe (3" thick, on boxcar door) - automobile boxcars with loading racks * Company service * X road number - cars for company service only, restricted to 30 mph. movement * XM road number - cars for company service only, fit for track speed" Jim Mischke /Feb 25, 2004 I hope this helps. Jim, did I get all this correct? Ken Braden www.smd.cc <http://www.smd.cc> www.fcsme.org <http://www.fcsme.org> --- In STMFC@..., Tim O'Connor <timboconnor@...> wrote: and wereconfirm this for us. carsused for the LCL service. B&O used the Circle T to indicate that the met the requirements for LCL use.
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